Summer Book Club 2009 Review

Summer Book Club 2009

The summer book club is presently full with 24 children ranging in age from 5 to 11 years. There are 12 children in each group (Monday/Wednesday & Tuesday/Thursday). The group starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m. We are reading Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. Two chapters are read per session which allows for explanations, questions to be asked and raised, and for the children to obtain full understanding of the content.

At the start of each session, the group reviews what was previously read. As the story is being read, the content is closely examined for similarities and differences with our culture. Excursions within Kahnawake are part of the daily schedule and center around the main theme of the chapters. The children are exposed to places that they may not have had the opportunity to explore before. So far we have gone to Johnson’s Beach to sail our ships, Matty’s park to collect flat stones for painting, the Seaway to witness how it looks now, the Village in town to see how the older homes were constructed, and the old Indian Village to explore the inside of a longhouse.

The children are hearing Mohawk phrases and commands during book club. I repeat the phrases during each session and most can understand what is being asked of them. Mohawk names were focused on because the main character has two names; one secret and one with meaning. On our outings, Mohawk signs and words are also read and explained.

All of their artwork is displayed in the activity room and many of the items used are collected on our walks.

At the end of the summer session, the goal is to have the children generate a cooperate diorama of how the land looked before and after the Seaway. Each group will also develop and illustrate a story that will be turned into a book for each child to take home as a souvenir of the Summer Book Club.

On August 14th, the children will host a Book/Bake sale to generate funds for the children’s programming. The Hydro project will be promoted as well.

Melanie